Waddington, a half forward, topped the Bendigo Football League goal-kicking in 1957, with 72 goals for South Bendigo. The following year he arrived at North Melbourne and played all possible 20 games in his debut season.[1] This included their four-point semi final win over Fitzroy, in which he contributed three goals.[1]

He remained a regular fixture in the team for the next eight years, mostly as a defender. It was as a centre half-back that he was selected for the Victorian interstate side in 1964.[2]